Gear scheme for infinitely variable transmission

ABSTRACT

A gear scheme for an infinitely variable transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a variator, and a pair of planetary gearsets located beside the variator rather than in front of or behind the variator. The variator and the planetary gearsets are coupled between the input and output shafts.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/374,048, filed Aug. 16, 2010, which isincorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to transmissions for poweredvehicles, and more particularly to gear schemes for transmissions thatinclude a variator.

BACKGROUND

Transmissions for powered vehicles transfer torque output by thevehicle's drive unit to one or more loads. In some transmissions, aratio varying unit (“variator”) is used to provide a continuousvariation of transmission ratio rather than a series of predeterminedratios. The variator is coupled between the transmission input and thetransmission output via gearing and one or more clutches.

Continuously variable transmissions may have multiple operating modes,where each operating mode covers a portion of the overall ratio spreadof the transmission. Each operating mode is selectable, e.g. by a clutchthat is engaged by the application of hydraulic fluid pressure ascommanded by the transmission's control unit.

Some continuously variable transmissions have a “geared neutral” mode,in which the continuous variation of ratio passes through the gearedneutral mode in transitioning from a reverse ratio to a forward ratio.In the geared neutral position, the vehicle's speed is zero,independently of the rotational speed output by the vehicle's driveunit. Transmissions that have a geared neutral mode may be referred toas infinitely variable transmissions.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of this disclosure an infinitely variabletransmission having a geared neutral mode and at least three forwardoperating modes includes an input shaft, an output shaft spaced from theinput shaft, and a variator having continuously variable torque output.The variator is coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft.The transmission also includes a pair of planetary gearsets coupledbetween the input and output shafts. The planetary gearsets are coupledto each other and coupled to the variator. The planetary gearsets arepositioned beside the variator in the transmission.

The transmission may include less than three planetary gearsets. Theoutput shaft may be coaxial with the input shaft. A portion of theplanetary gearsets may be coplanar with the variator. The transmissionmay include less than four output gearsets coupled between the planetarygearsets and the output shaft. The transmission may include a thirdplanetary gearset coupled between the variator and the output shaft andless than three output gearsets coupled between the planetary gearsetsand the output shaft. The diameter of a circle encompassing thetransmission is less than the diameter of a mounting flange of a driveunit to which the transmission is mountable.

According to another aspect of this disclosure, an infinitely variabletransmission includes a variator, and a pair of planetary gearsetslaterally spaced from the variator. Each of the planetary gearsets hasat least one component coupled to the other and at least one componentcoupled to the variator. The transmission also includes a plurality ofoutput gearsets coupled to the planetary gearsets and the variator, andfirst, second, third and fourth torque transmitting mechanisms. Thefirst torque transmitting mechanism is engageable to place thetransmission in a geared neutral mode, the second torque transmittingmechanism is engageable to place the transmission in a first forwardoperating mode, the third torque transmitting mechanism is engageable toplace the transmission in a second forward operating mode, and thefourth torque transmitting mechanism is engageable to place thetransmission in a third forward operating mode.

The transmission may have a double shunt architecture, such that thevariator is isolated from transmission input and transmission outputwhen the first torque transmitting mechanism is engaged, and thetransmission is output coupled when any of the second, third, and fourthtorque transmitting mechanisms is engaged and the remaining torquetransmitting mechanisms are not engaged.

The first, second, third, and fourth torque transmitting mechanisms maybe rotating clutches. The first, third and fourth torque transmittingmechanisms may be rotating clutches while the second torque transmittingmechanism is a stationary clutch.

According to a further aspect of this disclosure, an infinitely variabletransmission includes a first centerline comprising a variator andbetween zero and two output gearsets and between zero and twoselectively engageable torque transmitting mechanisms, a secondcenterline parallel to and spaced from the first centerline andcomprising at least one of an input shaft and an output shaft, and athird centerline spaced from and parallel to both the first and thesecond centerlines and comprising a pair of planetary gearsets, eachplanetary gearset having at least one component connected to a componentof the other planetary gearset, between zero and three output gearsetsand between zero and four selectively engageable torque transmittingmechanisms.

The transmission may include a first gearset coupled to the input shaftand to a first component of the planetary gearsets, a second gearsetcoupled to a first side of the variator and to a second component of theplanetary gearsets, and a third gearset coupled to a second side of thevariator and to a third component of the planetary gearsets. The firstgearset may include an idler. The fourth gearset may be coupled to theoutput shaft and selectively coupled to output of the third gearset.

The transmission may include a fifth gearset coupled to the output shaftand selectively coupled to the output of the third gearset. The firstgearset may include a first idler and the fifth gearset may include asecond idler.

The third centerline may include three concentric shafts. Thetransmission may include a first shaft located on the third centerline,where at least the first gearset and the planetary gearsets areconnected to the first shaft. The transmission may include a secondshaft concentric with the first shaft, wherein a first component of theplanetary gearsets is coupled to the second shaft and at least thefourth gearset is selectively coupled to the second shaft. Thetransmission may include a third shaft concentric with the first andsecond shafts, wherein a second component of the planetary gearsets iscoupled to the third shaft and at least the fourth gearset isselectively coupled to the third shaft.

Patentable subject matter may include one or more features orcombinations of features shown or described anywhere in this disclosureincluding the written description, drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description refers to the following figures in which:

FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic representation of a gear scheme for aninfinitely variable transmission;

FIG. 1B is a schematic representation of a gearing arrangement for thegear scheme of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a schematic representation of another gearing arrangement forthe gear scheme of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a diagrammatic representation of another gear scheme for aninfinitely variable transmission;

FIG. 2B is a schematic representation of a gearing arrangement for thegear scheme of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic representation of another gear scheme for aninfinitely variable transmission;

FIG. 3B is a schematic representation of a gearing arrangement for thegear scheme of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a schematic representation of another gearing arrangement forthe gear scheme of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a schematic representation of still another gearingarrangement for the gear scheme of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic representation of another gear scheme for aninfinitely variable transmission;

FIG. 4B is a schematic representation of a gearing arrangement for thetransmission of FIG. 4A; and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic end view of the gearing arrangement of FIG. 3D.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present invention are described with reference to certainillustrative embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings anddescribed herein. While the present invention is described withreference to the illustrative embodiments, it should be understood thatthe present invention as claimed is not limited to the disclosedembodiments. For example, while certain aspects of the disclosure arediscussed herein in the context of an infinitely variable transmission,it will be understood by those skilled in the art that aspects of thepresent disclosure are applicable to other types and configurations ofvehicle transmissions.

This disclosure describes a number of gear schemes that provide multipleoperating modes for an infinitely variable transmission. This disclosurealso illustrates and describes a number of gearset and clutcharrangements that may be used to implement the illustrated gear schemes.In each case, the transmission gearing is driven by a rotating inputshaft 10, and the output of the transmission is transferred to thevehicle load by a rotating output shaft 14. In the drawings, the inputand output shafts 10, 14 are shown as being coaxial, but this does notneed to be the case.

A drive unit (not shown) drives the rotation of the input shaft 10. Thedrive unit may include an internal combustion engine, such as aspark-ignited or compression-ignition type (i.e. diesel) engine, anengine-electric motor combination, or other suitable source ofrotational power. The vehicle load may be, for example, the vehicle'sdrive wheels, an auxiliary gearbox (e.g. a transfer case or drop box),or a power take-off device, such as a pump, mixer, lifter, shoveled,compressor, compactor, or blower, as may be provided with commercialvehicles such as trucks or busses.

Between the input shaft 10 and the output shaft 14 there are a number ofinput gearsets 22, 24, 26, a variator 12, a number of output gearsets28, 30, 32, and a number of selectively engageable torque transmittingmechanisms, e.g. C1, C2, C3, and C4.

The illustrated variator 12 is a toroidal variator, such as a fulltoroidal traction drive type variator manufactured by TorotrakDevelopment, Ltd. of Lancashire, United Kingdom. However, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that other types of variationsmay be used to provide a continuous variation of transmission ratio.

The variator 12 has input discs 11, 13, which are coupled to a variatorinput shaft 38. The variator 12 also has output discs 7, 9, which arecoupled to a variator output shaft 40. The space between the innersurfaces of the input discs and the inner surfaces of the correspondingoutput discs (e.g. the inner surfaces of discs 11, 7 and discs 13, 9)form a hollow doughnut shape or ‘toroid.’ A number of rollers (notshown) are located inside the toroidal space defined by the innersurfaces of the discs 7, 11, 9, 13. The rollers transmit torque from theinput discs 11, 13 to the output discs 7, 9 via a traction fluid (notshown).

The variator torque is controlled by a hydraulic circuit (not shown),which includes hydraulic actuators (e.g., pistons and lever assemblies)that apply an adjustable force to the rollers. The force applied by ahydraulic actuator to a roller is balanced by a reaction force resultingfrom the torques transmitted between the surfaces of the variator disksand the rollers. The end result is that in use, each roller continuouslymoves and processes to the locations and tilt angles required totransmit a torque determined by the force applied by the hydraulicactuators. A difference in the forces applied to the rollers changes therollers' tilt angle and thus, the variator ratio. A change in therollers' tilt angle may result not only in a net torque at thetransmission output but could also result in a change in torquedirection. The direction of the torque output determines whether thetorque application is positive or negative.

One feature of the disclosed transmission gear schemes is that one ormore planetary gearsets 16, 18 are positioned beside, rather than infront of or behind, the variator 12; thereby shortening the overalllength of the transmission. The disclosed gear schemes each have anumber of spaced-apart (i.e. non-coaxial) centerlines (e.g., axes aboutwhich components of the transmission rotate) 84, 86, 88. The variator 12is located on the centerline 84. The planetary gearsets 16, 18 arelocated on the centerline 88, which is parallel to and spaced from thecenterline 84. The input and output shafts 10, 14 are located on thecenterline 86, which is parallel to and spaced from the centerlines 84,88. The centerlines 84, 86, 88 may or may not be coplanar with oneanother. FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration in which the centerlines 84and 88 lie in the same horizontal plane while the centerline 86 lies ina different horizontal plane.

In general, the disclosed gear schemes have a number of operating modes,including a geared neutral mode and multiple forward ranges. In each ofthe operating modes, one of the torque transmitting mechanisms isengaged and the other torque transmitting mechanisms are not engaged.Switching from one operating mode to another involves releasing one ofthe torque transmitting mechanisms and engaging another of the torquetransmitting mechanisms. A transition between two forward rangesinvolves a synchronous shift.

The torque transmitting mechanisms may be any suitable type of clutches,brakes, or similar devices, including, but not limited to wet clutches,dry clutches, and dog clutches. For example, some versions of theillustrated transmission use rotating clutches, while other versions usea combination of rotating and stationary clutches. In some cases,friction-based torque transmitting mechanisms are used, while in othercases, interference-based torque transmitting mechanisms may be used.

The application and release of the torque transmitting mechanisms toaccomplish shifting from one operating mode to another operating modemay be accomplished manually by the vehicle operator, or may be fully orpartially automated (e.g. by electronic, electro-hydraulic orelectro-pneumatic control systems).

The illustrated gear schemes use four torque transmitting mechanisms,C1, C2, C3, C4, to provide one geared neutral mode and three forwardranges. In each of the operating modes, one of the torque transmittingmechanisms C1, C2, C3, C4 is engaged and the other torque transmittingmechanisms C1, C2, C3, C4 are not engaged. The illustrated examples usea naming convention in which the number of a torque transmittingmechanism corresponds to the number of the mode in which the torquetransmitting mechanism is applied (i.e. C1 is applied in mode 1, C2 isapplied in mode 2, and so on).

In other versions of the disclosed gear scheme, a larger or smallernumber of operating modes may be provided, and a larger or smallernumber of torque transmitting mechanisms may be used. For example, ifmore than four operating modes are desired, more than four torquetransmitting mechanisms may be used, and if fewer than four operatingmodes are desired, less than four torque transmitting mechanisms may beused. Also, in the illustrated examples, the first operating mode (i.e.mode 1) is a geared neutral mode, and the remaining modes are forwardranges, but this arrangement is not necessarily required.

FIGS. 1A, 2A, 3A, and 4A illustrate gear schemes for the four-modeinfinitely variable transmission described above. In each of these gearschemes, a double shunt architecture is used for the geared neutral mode(mode 1), while the forward modes (modes 2-4) are output coupled.

FIG. 1A illustrates one gear scheme 100 for an infinitely variabletransmission. The gear scheme 100 has an input gearset 22 that is drivenby the vehicle's drive unit via the transmission input shaft 10. Theinput gearset 22 is connected to a planetary gearset 16. The output ofone of the components of the planetary gearset 16 is connected to oneside of the variator 12 via a gearset 24 and a shaft 38. The output ofanother component of the planetary gearset 16 is connected to anotherside of the variator 12 via a gearset 26 and a shaft 40. As illustrated,the shaft 38 connects to an input side of the variator 12 and the shaft40 connects to an output side of the variator 12, however, thisparticular arrangement is not required. In other versions of the gearscheme 100, the output side of the variator 12 may be connected to acomponent of the planetary gearset 16 via the gearset 24 and the inputside of the variator 12 may be connected to a component of the planetarygearset 16 via the gearset 26. Generally, in each of the illustratedembodiments, the orientation of the variator 12 may be as shown or maybe ‘flipped’ so that the locations of the input side and the output sideare opposite to those shown in the drawings.

The planetary gearset 18 has a component connected to one side of thevariator 12 via the gearing 24 and another component connected to theother side of the variator 12 via the gearing 26. At least one componentof the planetary gearset 16 is connected to a component of the planetarygearset 18.

The gear scheme 100 includes three output gearsets 28, 30, and 32. Thetorque transmitting mechanisms C1, C2, C3, C4 are selectively engageableto determine the torque output by the output shaft 14. When either oftorque transmitting mechanisms C1 or C3 are engaged, the output gearset30 is employed. When the torque transmitting mechanism C2 is engaged,then the output gearset 28 is employed. When the torque transmittingmechanism C4 is engaged, the output gearset 32 is employed.

FIG. 1B illustrates one gearset and clutch arrangement for the gearscheme of FIG. 1A, in which the shaft 38 is positioned on the centerline84, the input and output shafts 10, 14 are positioned on the centerline86, and the centerline 88 has a number of coaxial shafts 34, 35, 36, 37.In the arrangement of FIG. 1B, each of the output gearsets 28, 30, 32has a gear (124, 126, 128) that is concentric with and rotates with theoutput shaft 14.

The output gearset 32 includes intermeshing gears 128, 134. The gear 134is concentric with the shafts 34, 35, 36, 37. The gear 134 rotates aboutthe shaft 36 when the torque transmitting mechanism C4 is not applied.The gear 134 rotates with the shaft 36 when the torque transmittingmechanism C4 is applied.

The output gearset 28 includes intermeshing gears 126, 132. The gear 132is concentric with the shafts 34, 35, 36, 37. The gear 132 rotates aboutthe shaft 36 when the torque transmitting mechanism C2 is not applied.The gear 132 rotates with the shaft 36 when the torque transmittingmechanism C2 is applied.

The output gearset 30 includes gears 124, 130, and an idler 42interposed therebetween. The gear 130 is concentric with the shafts 34,35, 36, 37. The gear 130 rotates about the shaft 36. When the torquetransmitting mechanism C1 is applied, the gear 130 rotates with theshaft 35. When the torque transmitting mechanism C3 is applied, the gear130 rotates with the shaft 37.

The planetary gearsets 16, 18 are positioned on the centerline 88. Theplanetary gearset 18 has a carrier 90, which is driven by the output ofplanet gears 96, 98. The planetary gearset 18 also has a ring gear 92and a sun gear 94. The shaft 36 is connected to and rotates with thering gear 92. The shaft 35 is connected to the output of the carrier 90.

The gearset 26 includes intermeshing gears 120, 122. The shaft 37 iscoupled to the output of the sun gear 94 via the gear 122. The gear 122is concentric with and rotates about the shafts 35, 36. The gear 120 isconnected to the output of the variator 12 and is concentric with theshafts 38, 40. When the output of the variator 12 is different than theinput to the variator 12, the gear 120 rotates with the variator outputshaft 40. When the output of the variator 12 is the same as the input tothe variator 12, the gear 120 rotates with the input shaft 38.

The gearset 24 includes intermeshing gears 116, 118. The gear 116 isconcentric with and rotates with the shaft 38. The gear 118 isconcentric with and rotates about the shaft 34.

The planetary gearset 16 has a carrier 91, which is driven by planetgears 97, 99. The planet gears 97, 99 of the planetary gearset 16 arealso connected to the ring gear 92 of the planetary gearset 18.

The planetary gearset 16 also has a ring gear 93 and a sun gear 95. Theoutput of the gear 118 is connected to the carrier 91. The sun gear 95is connected to the output of the sun gear 94 of the planetary gearset18. The ring gear 93 is connected to and rotates with the shaft 34.

The input gearset 22 includes intermeshing gears 112, 114. The gear 114is concentric with and rotates with the shaft 34. The gear 112 isconcentric with and rotates with the input shaft 10, which is driven bya drive unit as discussed above.

FIG. 1C shows another gearset and clutch arrangement 140 for the gearscheme 100. In the arrangement 140, the gearset 26 is coupled to thevariator input shaft 38 and the gearset 24 is coupled to the variatoroutput shaft 40.

Referring to the arrangement of FIG. 1C, the input gearset 22 includesintermeshing gears 142, 144, which are arranged in a similar fashion tothe gears 112, 114 of FIG. 1B. The gearset 24 includes intermeshinggears 146, 148, where the gear 146 is concentric with and rotates withthe variator output shaft 40, while the gear 148 is concentric with androtates with the shaft 34, being connected thereto via the planets 97,99 and the carrier 91 of the planetary gearset 16. The gearset 26includes intermeshing gears 150, 152, where the gear 150 is concentricwith and rotates with the shaft 38 and the gear 152 is concentric withand rotates with the shaft 37. The shaft 37 is coupled to the sun gears94, 95. In the arrangement of FIG. 1C, the gearsets 28, 30, and 32, aswell as the torque transmitting mechanisms C1, C2, C3, C4, are arrangedin a similar fashion as shown in FIG. 1B. However, the gears 154, 160,164 have different diameters than the corresponding gears 124, 126, 128of FIG. 1B. The gears 154, 160, 164 are concentric with and rotate withthe output shaft 14.

FIG. 2A illustrates another gear scheme 200 for an infinitely variabletransmission. The gear scheme 200 is similar to the gear scheme 100,except that the torque transmitting mechanisms C2, C4 and gearsets 28,32 are connected to the variator input shaft 38 rather than to theoutput of the planetary gearsets 16, 18. In other words, the torquetransmitting mechanisms C2, C4 and gearsets 28, 32 are located on thecenterline 84 rather than the centerline 88.

FIG. 2B illustrates one gearset and clutch arrangement 210 for the gearscheme 200. In the arrangement 210, the input gearset 22 includes gears212, 214, and the idler 42 interposed therebetween. The gearset 24includes intermeshing gears 216, 218, which are arranged in a similarfashion to the gears 116, 118 of FIG. 1B. The gearset 26 includesintermeshing gears 222, 224, which are arranged in a similar fashion tothe gears 120, 122 of FIG. 1B. There are two, rather than three, outputgears 228, 234, concentric with and rotating with the output shaft 14.The gearset 30 includes intermeshing gears 228, 230, which are arrangedin a similar fashion to the gears 124, 130 of FIG. 1B, except that noidler is interposed therebetween. Also, the diameter of the gear 228 maybe larger than the diameter of the gear 124.

In the arrangement 210, the gearset 28 includes intermeshing gears 226,228, where the gear 226 is concentric with the shaft 36. In other words,the gear 228 is shared by the gearsets 28, 30. The gear 226 rotatesabout the shaft 36 when the torque transmitting mechanism C2 is notengaged, and rotates with the shaft 36 when the torque transmittingmechanism C2 is engaged. The gearset 32 includes intermeshing gears 232,234. The gear 232 is concentric with the shaft 36. The gear 232 rotatesabout the shaft 36 when the torque transmitting mechanism C4 is notengaged, and rotates with the shaft 36 when the torque transmittingmechanism C4 is engaged. The gears 228, 234 are concentric with androtate with the output shaft 14.

FIG. 3A illustrates another gear scheme 300 for an infinitely variabletransmission. The gear scheme 300 is similar to the gear scheme 200,except that only the torque transmitting mechanism C4 and gearset 32 areconnected to the variator shaft 38. In other words, the torquetransmitting mechanism C4 and gearset 32 are located on the centerline84, while the other gearsets are located on the centerline 88. Whereasin the gear scheme 100, the mode 4 ratio spread (i.e. when C4 isengaged) is affected by both of the gearsets 24 and 32, in the gearscheme 300, the mode 4 ratio spread is affected by the gearset 32.

FIG. 3B illustrates one gearset and clutch arrangement 302 for the gearscheme 300. The arrangement 302 includes two idlers 42, 43. In thearrangement 302, the input gearset 22 includes gears 312, 314 and idler42 arranged in a similar fashion to the gears 212, 214 of FIG. 2B,except that the gears 312, 314 may have different diameters than thegears 212, 214. The gearset 24 includes intermeshing gears 316, 318,which are arranged in a similar fashion to the gears 216, 218 of FIG.2B, except that the gears 316, 318 may have different diameters than thegears 216, 218. The gearset 26 includes intermeshing gears 320, 322,which are arranged in a similar fashion to the gears 222, 224 of FIG.2B, except that the gears 320, 322 may have different diameters than thegears 222, 224. The gearset 30 includes intermeshing gears 326, 328,which are arranged in a similar fashion to the gears 228, 230 of FIG.2B, except that the gears 326, 328 may have different diameters than thegears 228, 230.

In the arrangement 302, the gearset 32 includes intermeshing gears 324,326. In other words, the gearsets 30, 32 share the gear 326. The gear324 is concentric with the shaft 38. The gear 324 rotates about theshaft 38 when the torque transmitting mechanism C4 is not engaged, androtates with the shaft 38 when the torque transmitting mechanism C4 isengaged. The gearset 28 includes gears 330, 332 and an idler 43interposed therebetween. The gear 332 is concentric with the shaft 36.The gear 332 rotates with the shaft 36 when the torque transmittingmechanism C2 is engaged, and rotates about the shaft 36 when the torquetransmitting mechanism C2 is not engaged. The gears 326, 330 areconcentric with and rotate with the output shaft 14.

FIG. 3C illustrates another gearset and clutch arrangement 304 for thegear scheme 300. The arrangement 304 is similar to the arrangement 302,except that the idlers 42, 43 are in different locations. The inputgearset 22 includes intermeshing gears 340, 342 arranged in a similarfashion to the gears 112, 114 of FIG. 1B, except that the gears 340, 342may have different diameters than the gears 112, 114. The gearset 24includes intermeshing gears 344, 346 arranged in a similar fashion tothe gears 316, 318 of FIG. 3B, except that the gears 344, 346 may havedifferent diameters than the gears 316, 318. The gearset 26 includesintermeshing gears 348, 350 arranged in a similar fashion to the gears320, 322 of FIG. 3B, except that the gears 348, 350 may have differentdiameters than the gears 320, 322. The gearset 30 includes gears 352,354 and idler 43 interposed therebetween. The gear 354 is concentricwith and rotates about the shaft 36. The gear 354 rotates with the shaft35 when the torque transmitting mechanism 35 is engaged, and rotateswith the shaft 37 when the torque transmitting mechanism C3 is engaged.The gears 352, 358 are concentric with and rotate with the output shaft14.

FIG. 3D illustrates another gearset and clutch arrangement 306 for thegear scheme 300. The arrangement 306 is similar to the arrangement 302,except that chains are used instead of intermeshing gears in thegearsets 24, 26. The input gearset 22 includes intermeshing gears 60,62, which are arranged in a similar fashion to the gears 340, 342 ofFIG. 3C, except that the gears 60, 62 may have different diameters thanthe gears 340, 342. The gearset 24 includes a chain drive systemincluding sprockets 64, 66 connected by a chain 46. The sprocket 66 isconcentric with and rotates with the shaft 38. The sprocket 64 isconcentric with and rotates about the shaft 34. The sprocket 64 isconnected to the sun gear 95 of the planetary gearset 16 in a similarfashion to the gear 118 described above.

In the arrangement 306, the gearset 26 includes sprockets 68, 70connected by a chain 48. The sprocket 70 is concentric with and rotateswith the shaft 38. The sprocket 68 is concentric with and rotates aboutthe shaft 36. The sprocket 68 is also connected to the shaft 37 and tothe sun gear 94 in a similar fashion to the gear 122 described above.

Also in the arrangement 306, the gearset 30 includes gears 76, 82 andidler 42 interposed therebetween. The gear 82 is concentric with androtates about the shaft 36. The gear 82 rotates with the shaft 35 whenthe torque transmitting mechanism C1 is engaged and rotate with theshaft 37 when the torque transmitting mechanism C3 is engaged. The gear76 is concentric with and rotates with the output shaft 14. The gearset28 includes intermeshing gears 72, 74. The gear 72 is concentric withand rotates with the output shaft 14. The gear 74 is concentric with theshaft 36. The gear 74 rotates with the shaft 36 when the torquetransmitting mechanism C2 is engaged and rotates about the shaft 36 whenthe torque transmitting mechanism C2 is not engaged. The gearset 32includes intermeshing gears 76, 78. The gear 78 is concentric with theshaft 38. The gear 78 rotates with the shaft 38 when the torquetransmitting mechanism C4 is engaged and rotates about the shaft 38 whenthe torque transmitting mechanism C4 is not engaged. The gear 76 isshared by the gearsets 30, 32.

FIG. 4A illustrates a gear scheme 400 for an infinitely variabletransmission. The gear scheme 400 includes another planetary gearset 44,which is positioned on the centerline 84 with the variator 12. Also, inthe gear scheme 400, the torque transmitting mechanism C2 is astationary clutch.

FIG. 4B illustrates a gear and clutch arrangement 410 for the gearscheme 400. The arrangement 410 includes only one gear 426 that isconnected to and rotating with the output shaft 14. The gear 426intermeshes with a gear 424 of the gearset 32 and intermeshes with agear 428 of the gearset 30. The torque transmitting mechanism C2 is astationary clutch and holds a ring gear 430 of the planetary gearset 44when engaged. The torque transmitting mechanism C4 is a rotating clutchand holds the sun gear 432 of the planetary gearset 44 when engaged. Thegearset 26 includes gears 420, 422, which are configured in a similarfashion as the gears 120, 122 described above and shown in FIG. 1B,except that the gears 420, 422 may have different diameters than thegears 120, 122. The gearset 24 includes gears 416, 418, which areconfigured in a similar fashion as the gears 116, 118 described above,except that the gears 416, 418 may have different diameters than thegears 116,118. The gearset 22 includes gears 412, 414, and the idler 42,which are configured in a similar fashion to the gears 212, 214 andidler 42, shown in FIG. 2B and described above, except that the gears412, 414 may have different diameters than the gears 212, 214.

FIG. 5 illustrates the spatial relationship between the components ofthe gear and clutch arrangement 306, as well as the size and positioningof the arrangement 306 relative to other parts of a vehicle in which itmay be installed. When installed, the arrangement 306 fits within aregion defined by the vehicle floorboard 50 and the vehicle frame rails52, 54. A circle 56 represents the diameter of the drive unit's (e.g.engine's) mounting flange. As can be seen in FIG. 5, all of thecomponents of the arrangement 306 fit within the diameter 56. A block 58represents the space occupied by the variator and transmission controls,which typically include hydraulic, electronic, pneumatic componentsand/or a combination thereof, which control the operation of thevariator 12 and control the engagement and release of the torquetransmitting mechanisms C1, C2, C3, C4. The other gearset and clutcharrangements described and shown herein have a similar spatialconfiguration as shown in FIG. 5.

The relative sizes of the gearing and other transmission componentsshown in the drawings and described above are generally representativeof the disclosed embodiments. One example of gearing ratios andresulting transmission ratio coverage for a gear scheme having twoplanetary gearsets and three output gearsets (such as gear schemes 100,200 and 300) is shown in Tables 1 and 2 below.

TABLE 1 Example Ratios Gearset Ratio 22 −1.9 24 2.5 26 0.900852 28−0.32529 30 0.368242 32 −0.84575 16 (N_(sun)/N_(ring)) 0.5696 18(N_(sun)/N_(ring)) 0.387644

TABLE 2 Example Transmission Ratio Coverage Mode Low High 1 −0.159960.127692 2 0.127692 0.298177 3 0.298177 0.83 4 0.83 1.93815

It will be understood, however, that the ratios and resulting ratiocoverage of the transmission may vary according to the size, packaging,ratio coverage, and/or other requirements of a particular design. Ingeneral, the size, spacing and arrangement of the components of the gearschemes described herein are adaptable to varying design and/orpackaging requirements, and the illustrated arrangements are just someexamples of many possible configurations of these elements.

The specific arrangement of the planetary gearsets 16, 18 andconnections thereto shown in the drawings and described herein is onepossible arrangement of such components and is not necessarily required.Other variations on the arrangement of the planetary gearsets 16, 18 arecontemplated by this disclosure. For example, one or more components ofthe planetary gearsets 16, 18 could be connected to the variator outputshaft 40.

The present disclosure describes patentable subject matter withreference to certain illustrative embodiments. The drawings are providedto facilitate understanding of the disclosure, and may depict a limitednumber of elements for ease of explanation. Except as may be otherwisenoted in this disclosure, no limits on the scope of patentable subjectmatter are intended to be implied by the drawings. Variations,alternatives, and modifications to the illustrated embodiments may beincluded in the scope of protection available for the patentable subjectmatter.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An infinitely variable transmission havinga geared neutral mode and at least three forward operating modes,comprising an input shaft, an idler gear coupled to the input shaft, anoutput shaft spaced from and coaxial with the input shaft, a variatorhaving continuously variable torque output, the variator being coupledbetween the input shaft and the output shaft, at least one clutch,wherein the variator and the at least one clutch define a firstcenterline, and a pair of planetary gearsets coupled between the inputand output shafts, coupled to each other and coupled to the variator,the planetary gearsets being positioned beside the variator in thetransmission.
 2. The transmission of claim 1, comprising less than threeplanetary gearsets.
 3. The transmission of claim 1, wherein at least aportion of the planetary gearsets is coplanar with the variator.
 4. Thetransmission of claim 1, comprising less than four output gearsetscoupled between the planetary gearsets and the output shaft.
 5. Thetransmission of claim 1, comprising a third planetary gearset coupledbetween the variator and the output shaft and less than three outputgearsets coupled between the planetary gearsets and the output shaft. 6.The transmission of claim 1, wherein the diameter of a circleencompassing the transmission is less than the diameter of a mountingflange of a drive unit to which the transmission is mountable.
 7. Aninfinitely variable transmission, comprising an input shaft, an outputshaft spaced from the input shaft and coaxial therewith, a variatorcoupled between the input shaft and the output shaft, a pair ofplanetary gearsets laterally spaced from the variator and coupledbetween the input shaft and the output shaft, each of the planetarygearsets having at least one component coupled to each other and atleast one component coupled to the variator, an input gearset includingan idler gear coupled to the input shaft, a plurality of output gearsetscoupled to the planetary gearsets and the variator, the plurality ofoutput gearsets coupled to the output shaft, and first, second, thirdand fourth torque transmitting mechanisms positioned between the inputshaft and the output shaft, the first torque transmitting mechanismbeing engageable to place the transmission in a geared neutral mode, thesecond torque transmitting mechanism being engageable to place thetransmission in a first forward operating mode, the third torquetransmitting mechanism being engageable to place the transmission in asecond forward operating mode, and the fourth torque transmittingmechanism being engageable to place the transmission in a third forwardoperating mode, wherein the variator and at least one of the first,second, third, and fourth torque transmitting mechanisms define a firstcenterline.
 8. The transmission of claim 7, wherein the transmission hasa double shunt architecture, such that the variator is isolated fromtransmission input and transmission output when the first torquetransmitting mechanism is engaged, and the transmission is outputcoupled when any of the second, third, and fourth torque transmittingmechanisms is engaged and the remaining torque transmitting mechanismsare not engaged.
 9. The transmission of claim 7, wherein the first,second, third, and fourth torque transmitting mechanisms are rotatingclutches.
 10. The transmission of claim 7, wherein the first, third andfourth torque transmitting mechanisms are rotating clutches and thesecond torque transmitting mechanism is a stationary clutch.
 11. Aninfinitely variable transmission, comprising a first centerlinecomprising a variator, no more than two output gearsets, and no morethan two selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanisms, a secondcenterline parallel to and spaced from the first centerline andcomprising at least one of an input shaft and an output shaft, a thirdcenterline spaced from and parallel to both the first and the secondcenterlines and comprising a pair of planetary gearsets, each planetarygearset having at least one component connected to a component of theother planetary gearset, no more than three output gearsets and no morethan four selectively engageable torque transmitting mechanisms, and afirst gearset coupled to the input shaft and to a first component of theplanetary gearsets, wherein the first gearset comprises a first idlergear.
 12. The transmission of claim 11, comprising a second gearsetcoupled to a first side of the variator and to a second component of theplanetary gearsets and a third gearset coupled to a second side of thevariator and to a third component of the planetary gearsets.
 13. Thetransmission of claim 12, comprising a fourth gearset coupled to theoutput shaft and selectively coupled to output of the third gearset. 14.The transmission of claim 13, comprising a fifth gearset coupled to theoutput shaft and selectively coupled to the output of the third gearset.15. The transmission of claim 14, wherein the fifth gearset comprises asecond idler gear.
 16. The transmission of claim 11, wherein the thirdcenterline comprises three concentric shafts.
 17. The transmission ofclaim 11, comprising a first shaft located on the third centerline,wherein at least the first gearset and the planetary gearsets areconnected to the first shaft.
 18. The transmission of claim 17,comprising a second shaft concentric with the first shaft, wherein afirst component of the planetary gearsets is coupled to the second shaftand at least the fourth gearset is selectively coupled to the secondshaft.
 19. The transmission of claim 18, comprising a third shaftconcentric with the first and second shafts, wherein a second componentof the planetary gearsets is coupled to the third shaft and at least thefourth gearset is selectively coupled to the third shaft.